Why Go to Swiss Alps
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
The Swiss Alps are a fairy tale come to life. More than two-thirds of Switzerland is covered by mountains, with green meadows, snowcapped peaks, crystal-clear lakes and charming villages. The Alps are also the source of great rivers like the Rhine and the Rhone, and every season brings a new kind of magic.
In winter, the Alps are a world-class ski destination. Resorts like Zermatt, beneath the iconic Matterhorn, St. Moritz and Verbier offer slopeside hotels, ski rentals and lively apres-ski with cozy restaurants, bars, saunas and spas. In summer, the mountains open up for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, whitewater rafting and swimming in alpine lakes. Ride the train to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley with its dozens of waterfalls, and take scenic rail journeys like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Switzerland's trains make it easy to travel between mountain towns, and a Swiss Travel Pass covers most of them. I'll plan your route, mountain excursions and charming chalet stays, in winter or summer.
BEST FOR
Hikers, train enthusiasts, photographers and winter-sports travelers
BEST MONTHS
June–September for hiking; December–March for winter sports
EXPLORE
Interlaken is a gateway to the Bernese Oberland; Zermatt sits below the Matterhorn; St. Moritz is in the Engadin, while Lucerne offers access to nearby peaks.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Swiss Alps
Europe › Western Europe › Switzerland
Alpine villages and unforgettable mountain panoramas
Skiing
Hiking
Adventure
Scenic
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Build in a weather-flexible day for your most important summit excursion; cloud cover can hide expensive mountain views.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check the mountain forecast before choosing a high-altitude viewpoint.
Matterhorn and Zermatt
The Matterhorn rises above car-free Zermatt, an alpine resort linked to mountain railways and hiking routes.
Buy the rail ticket with weather visibility in mind.
Gornergrat Railway
The cog railway climbs above Zermatt to a panorama of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Book a suitable timed journey and pack a warm layer even in summer.
Jungfraujoch
This high mountain railway destination offers glacier and alpine panoramas in the Bernese Oberland.
Use trains and cableways to avoid unnecessary parking and road transfers.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
A valley of steep cliffs, waterfalls and traditional villages serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region.
Confirm which activities operate on your dates; some depend on weather.
Grindelwald First
This mountain area above Grindelwald offers alpine viewpoints and seasonal outdoor activities.
Landmark luxury hotel overlooking Lake St. Moritz, combining grand Alpine hospitality with easy access to skiing and upscale village shopping.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
St. Moritz, Engadin
Hotel Tags
Historic five-star Alpine hotel with mountain views, an extensive spa, and a celebrated winter-sports heritage.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Engadin
Hotel Tags
Contemporary luxury mountain retreat blending Alpine chalet architecture with Asian-inspired interiors and a wellness spa.
The Chedi Andermatt
Andermatt, Uri
Hotel Tags
Iconic hilltop hotel overlooking Gstaad, known for polished hospitality and access to hiking and winter activities.
Gstaad Palace
Gstaad, Bernese Oberland
Hotel Tags
Classic luxury hotel in the pedestrian village of Zermatt, a convenient base for Matterhorn sightseeing and mountain excursions.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Zermatt, Valais
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Swiss Alps
High 41°F · Low 27°F · Rain 3.2 in
Winter closures may begin; verify roads, facilities and shuttle availability. For a destination-specific November plan, consider mountain railways.
June to September for many high-altitude hiking routes and December to March for major ski areas; shoulder-season lifts and trails may close.
Best Times to Visit Swiss Alps
WHEN TO GO
06
Walking and Hiking
Marked trails vary significantly in elevation and difficulty; check conditions before leaving.
05
Rental Car
Driving can be helpful in some regions but is not always necessary and mountain parking can be limited.
04
Regional Buses
PostBus and local services connect smaller valleys and hiking trailheads.
03
Car-Free Resorts
Zermatt and some other alpine villages restrict private vehicles; plan train or shuttle arrival.
02
Mountain Railways
Cog railways and cableways connect villages with viewpoints; prices and operations are route-specific.
01
Swiss Rail Network
Intercity and regional trains link major valleys and resort gateways efficiently.
Railways, cable cars and mountain buses connect many destinations; check seasonal timetables, weather and operating status before excursions.
Getting Around Swiss Alps